Wildcat Traditions

Campus traditions say a lot about a school. Learn about the history of the University here and about Northwestern's mascot, mottos, and annual events below.

The Color Purple

For the past 120 years, one could spot a Northwestern student by the color purple. Previous to that (during the school’s first 30 years) the University had toyed with “black and gold” and “purple and gold” as its official colors. But in 1892 purple won out and is now the only official color (white is certainly at the top of the unofficial color list).

Willie the Wildcat

The Wildcat mascot – by now nearly synonymous with Northwestern spirit – was developed almost entirely by chance. Following a 1924 football game between Northwestern and the University of Chicago, Chicago Tribune writer Wallace Abbey wrote that, “Wildcats would be a name better suited to [Coach] Thistlethwaite's boys." From that day on, all the Northwestern athletic teams have borne the nickname of “Wildcats.” Nine years later, the Northwestern athletic department teamed up with an advertising firm to create the first caricature of Willie. In 1947, it was brought to life when four students dressed up as Willie for their Homecoming float. Willie now roams the sidelines of many sporting events and can be seen at University functions.

Motto

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The Rock

The Rock, near University Hall, famous for its almost daily changes of color and message is one of the best known landmarks on the Evanston campus.  Representatives of the class of 1902 presented the Rock to the University “with the confidence that even when the granite rock has crumbled, Northwestern’s name will still be known and honored.”It has been a symbol at Northwestern University for more than 100 years. Students began painting the Rock in the 1940s, first as a prank, then as an accepted avenue of expression. Now, almost every night, a different group paints a message or symbols promoting a particular cause or event. On May 10, 2011 while on the main campus for the annual Northwestern Evanston trip 17 NU-Q students had the honor of painting the Rock.

View a live feed from the rock here.

Songs:

  • “Go! U Northwestern” Fight Song (Listen to the song)
    Words and Music by Theodore C. Van Etten, 1913

    Go! U Northwestern!
    Break right through that line.
    With our colors flying,
    We will cheer you all the time,
    U! Rah! Rah!
    Go U Northwestern
    Fight for victory,
    Spread far the fame of our fair name
    Go Northwestern, win that game!
    Go! U Northwestern!
    (Whistle)
    (Yell) Go! Northwestern Go!
    (Whistle)
    (Yell) Go! Northwestern Go!
    Hit 'em hard!
    Hit 'em low!
    Go, Northwestern Go!
    (Repeat chorus)
  • Alma Mater (Listen to the song)
    Hail to Alma Mater
    We will sing thy praise forever
    All thy sons and daughters
    Pledge thee victory and honor
    Alma Mater Praise be thine
    May thy name forever shine
    Hail to purple
    Hail to white
    Hail to thee Northwestern 

New NU-Q Traditions

Annual events have created a vibrant campus culture in Education City. Some of our new traditions include:

  • Go Wild Week – Every year in anticipation of spring finals, NU-Q Student Government coordinates a week-long series of events meant to celebrate the end of the school year along with everything it means to be a Wildcat! Highlights include a treasure hunt, Purple-Fest (a picnic and games on the lawn), photography exhibit coordinated in partnership with Oh Snap! Photography Club, and – new in 2010 – the Amethyst Gala.
  • BOO - Northwestern Qatar Student Government hosts a Halloween extravaganza complete with haunted house and candy galore.
  • Stressbuster Week - During finals week Health and Wellness offers stress relief and activities for NU-Q students.
  • Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night - At the end of the academic year, NU-QSG recognizes the hard work of the Northwestern faculty and staff with an awards show and dinner.
  • Annual Evanston-Qatar Exchange –In early summer each year, a group of NU-Q students journey to the U.S. to experience life as a Northwestern student in Evanston. Students join classes, attend meetings, see shows, visit downtown Chicago – and of course meet more of their fellow Wildcats across the pond! Starting Spring 2010, our exchange came full loop as a delegation of undergraduates from the School of Communication and the Medill School of Journalism flew to the Middle East to experience student life in Qatar.  Students attended lectures, took tours, and explored Doha.